Discussions in virtual spaces reflect and shape a society’s social freedom – while online censorship means repression. The fact that most of us now spend more time online means that the effects of censorship are becoming increasingly acute worldwide. Tracking Global Online Censorship is a new international project that will monitor and fight restrictions on freedom of expression, especially where censorious policies are exported from Europe and the USA to the rest of the world. The project works to ensure that powerful online censors – especially social media platforms such as Facebook and Google – follow fair and inclusive standards for discourse, transparency and the rule of law in a way that protects marginalized voices, dissenting opinions and heterogeneous societies. The Postcode Foundation supports the project with SEK 2,960,000.

What the program delivers

The project is divided into three parts: the first is a global campaign for freedom of expression online in order to put pressure on technology companies. The second part consists of advocacy to influence decision-makers and legislators within the European Union. The third part is to convene a global coalition to update The Santa Clara Principles on transparency and social media.

Why we support this project

This project contributes to fulfilling the Postcode Foundation’s statutes to provide support to children and adults in vulnerable situations or disasters.